Tuesday, January 26, 2010

swap sharing

I just finished up the first of 6 embroidered pieces for the swap I am in over at flickr. The theme for this one was a city or country interpreted in an Ed Emberleystyle. The Ed Emberley book, "Make a World" was our guide through this process. (what a fun theme!)

I chose Tokyo, Japan but it was tough choice. Also in the running were Havana, Prague, and Mumbai - all of which I would have loved to do. But, I figured Japan is sort of a crafting mecca, what with their cutest fabric in the world. Oh, and it is the birthplace of zakka and kawaii too. So, I went with it.

It turned out to be harder than I thought to try to design and draw in another style. I had to adopt the mantra "What would Ed Emberley do?" (W.W.E.E.D.) in order to keep myself from drifting off into my own style and preferences. I know I wandered a little here and there but I hope it isn't too noticeable.

It felt like a bit of a risk but I decided to invoke the playful spirit of Ed Emberley and add Godzilla into the mix. Just add scales and fire to Ed Emberley'sTyrannosaurusRex and there you have it. I wasn't sure if I had crossed the silliness line there but it seemed to go over okay on flickr, much to my relief.

Thanks, Beth, for a chance to stitch this super fun city! Can't wait to see the rest!

I think this looks great. What will be done with all the blocks? Do you know of links to other people's blocks? I enjoyed seeing the one through your link in the post. I'm going to have to bring that book home from the library and see if me and my 4 yr old can learn some stuff.

Erin - check out this wonderful Ed Emberley style London:http://www.flickr.com/photos/35036034@N06/4306541874/didn't she do a fabulous job? And Beth's inspirational sample is here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/modernjax/4269866323/in/pool-hoopup - love it!You can join the flickr group for the swap and see wht everyone else comes up with and what the final pieces look like all together. So far I think there are just three complete but there will eventually be 4 more. Should be fun watching this theme expand and grow. :)